The meeting covered many topics, including the importance of UC's role in the selection of lab directors. Norman J. Pattiz, chairman of the Board of Governors of both Los Alamos National Security LLC (LANS LLC) and Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC (LLNS LLC), "stressed that the selection of the laboratory director is one of the University’s most important contributions to the partnership."12.6 Committee on Oversight of the Department of Energy Laboratories.
The Committee on Oversight of the Department of Energy Laboratories shall:
- Consider and report to the Board, or to appropriate Committees of the Board, on matters concerning relations with the United States Department of Energy and matters relating to the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
- Act in an advisory capacity to the President of the University with respect to appointments of Directors and Deputy Directors of the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
- Consider reports relating to:
- the management of the Laboratories;
- the scientific and technical quality of all work undertaken at the Laboratories;
- the appointment and retention of Laboratory personnel of the highest competence;
- the health and safety of the public and Laboratory employees and the maintenance of environmental quality;
- interaction among the Laboratories, the campuses and the larger scientific community; and
- the quality of Laboratory communication with the public concerning all Laboratory work.
- Report periodically to the Board concerning the oversight functions described in (c) above.
Pattiz further stated that he believes "that the LLCs’ oversight role had protected the University to a degree from being blamed for any lapses." The minutes don't explain why he believes this. Hopefully it is not based on arguments of UC immunity under the 11th Amendment of the Constitution. Is Pattiz correct in his belief that the LLCs are responsible for the actions of a lab director they have no part in selecting?
If anyone has a full transcript (or audio) of the meeting please email it and I will post it. Perhaps it will clarify the points made by Chairman Pattiz. A copy of the meeting minutes can be downloaded here.
7 comments:
Pattiz further stated that he believes "that the LLCs’ oversight role had protected the University to a degree from being blamed for any lapses."
All the gain and no blame. Add in the big profits for a select and protected few and this deal looks fabulous for everyone sitting at the top of the pyramid. Those below had best watch out for the large amounts of LLC crap flowing downhill.
http://www.motherjones.com/news
/special_reports/mojo_400
/86_pattiz.html
Norman Pattiz (with Mary)
March 5, 2001
Founder and chairman of radio giant Westwood One, Norman Pattiz knows the value of grabbing people's attention -- whether it's radio listeners or politicians. Pattiz gave more than $300,000 to Democratic committees during the last election cycle and backed Hillary Clinton's bid for the Senate. The message was heard, loud and clear. Last May, President Clinton nominated Pattiz to the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which oversees the Voice of America and other government broadcasts. The board is chaired by Marc B. Nathanson (No. 54, $484,000) of cable giant Charter Communications. In addition, Pattiz was among 400 guests invited to sleep at the White House or Camp David.
Pattiz has a long history of using politics to leverage his financial interests. In 1987 he appeared before a Senate subcommittee to oppose a measure that would have eased restrictions on the number of radio stations a company could own in a single market. According to the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, Pattiz supported the restrictions because they limited the growth of his competitors.
But Pattiz did more than testify. He later admitted to charges that he had skirted campaign finance limits by illegally offering to reimburse Westwood One employees who contributed to Senator Joseph Biden's presidential bid. Biden's campaign was chaired by Senator Daniel Inouye, who also sat on the subcommittee holding hearings on the radio restrictions. "I don't give a shit about Biden," a company executive recalled Pattiz telling him at the time. "It's Inouye I'm interested in." Pattiz denied attempting to influence Inouye, but Westwood One paid a $75,000 fine for violating election laws.
As Westwood One grew, Pattiz apparently changed his tune on ownership limits. Like most in broadcasting, he supported the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which eliminated ownership restrictions. The move put more radio stations in fewer hands, making it easier for Westwood One to dominate radio programming. The company is now the nation's largest radio network, delivering news, weather, sports, talk, and traffic reports to 7,500 stations. Its news programs include CBS News Radio, Fox News Radio, CBS Market Watch, CNN Radio, and the NBC Radio Network.
"When you've got more radio stations owned by successful companies with more financial resources, they can provide more listening options," Pattiz told his felllow broadcasters at a Las Vegas convention in 1998. The following year the company bought Metro Networks, a radio programmer founded by David I. Saperstein (No. 42, $514,000).
-- Brett Coker
UC has been a participant in destroying the scientific capablity of LANL and LLNL. Now they congratulate themselves!
They keep talking about how important it is for them to choose the director. It sounds like we're about to lose a director and they are trying to convince some sucker that it's an important job.
Aren't these the same people who brought us Nanos?
Mr. Pattiz is a fast talker and a handsome looking guy with a very nice tan. I would pay attention to what he has to say.
Norm!
Post a Comment